Lowdown at Lakeshore Intergenerational School

“You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right” ~Rosa Parks

February is Black History Month and our students and staff had opportunities to experience events and activities revolving around African American culture and icons. Some examples of studies include an Intergenerational Poetry Program, where our students, mentors, and Intergenerational Partners studied African American Poets. These poets inspired the participants to created their own poetry; stay tuned as these creations will be on display at an event in May. Ms. Margaret of the Salvation Army joined our Primary Students as a “Mystery Reader.” She read various texts around African American history. “I Dream a World,” “Dream Keeper,” “We March,” and “Jazz Makes Me Sing” are some examples of texts read. There was much discussion and even dancing during her presentation! Mr. Clarence Bozeman helped us start a Black History Month Speaker Series for our Junior Cluster students. Our first guest was Dr. William Woods. Dr. Woods currently works in the Choir/Music Department at Cleveland School of the Arts and directs many choir and jazz programs throughout the city. His choirs earned many recognitions both nationally and internationally. To achieve success, Dr. Woods offered the following words of wisdom for those in attendance “Good is not good enough, I want it better than good.”

Our Junior Cluster students (GLE 3-5) went to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They learned about sound and various instruments through the live demonstration “Meet the Instruments” program. They were also able to tour and check out the numerous Rock Hall exhibits. Another exciting program, the creative processes of dance, will begin in March. Thanks to GroundWorks Dance Theatre, 30 of our students will get to learn from, participate in, and view a live performance of professionals in the field of creative dance.

Our monthly intergenerational visits with our friends at local rehabilitation and residential facilities had many astonishing activities. Our friends at ManorCare, Lakeshore Rose Center, Slovene Home, and Mount Saint Joseph participated in our Intergenerational Poetry Program. Our students and residents at AlterCare created colorful placemats. “I love you to pieces” hearts were created with the elders at Governors Village. Valentine’s Day readings and crafts occurred with our friends at BraeView and Gateway Family House. We are very excited to announce that we will be returning to Lakeshore Rose Center to participate in our second “Kids Love Musical” of the year. Together our students and friends at Rose Center will put on an intergenerational version of Peter Pan!

A special shout out to our Family Group. They helped organize a family movie night. Our families, students, and staff gathered for a fun evening filled with popcorns, conversation, and Cars 3!

Don’t delay, now is the time! Our spots for next school year are filling up fast. Are you, or do you know, a family looking for a quality school for the 2018-19 school year? If so, please attend one of our information sessions. Principal Bartley will explain all things school related (curriculum, grading, school culture, communication, typical day, etc.) and Mr. Hallowell will be on hand to assist with any enrollment questions.

Remember that you can always stay informed and learn more about us by visiting us on social media. We are on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Shawn Hallowell

Enrollment, Intergenerational Programming, and Community Outreach Coordinator at Lakeshore Intergenerational School